LaMelo Ball is celebrated by NBA draft scouts for many reasons, one being his ability to throw perfect passes the full length of the court.
ESPN’s draft expert Mike Schmitz recently traveled overseas to become even more familiar with the 18-year-old prospect. His report discussed several key subjects to Ball, though specifically asked the young guard about whether or not he played other sports growing up to help with the deep outlet passes.
LaMelo said he was a one-sport athlete but does have some experience with pick-up (via ESPN):
“Nah. My brothers did, they played a little baseball and then football. But me, I was just strictly basketball … [And I played] football on the streets, though, and stuff like that.”
When asked how he would be at quarterback, however, Ball said he thought he would be “pretty good” and answered with convincing confidence. You can see for yourselves in the link embedded below.
Schmitz followed up and asked him if there were any quarterbacks that Ball admired. Without much hesitation, he compared himself to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Ball said he thought Jackson was “cold” and seemed enthusiastic to praise the 22-year-old, former Heisman Trophy winner.
Jackson currently leads all quarterbacks with 6.9 yards per rushing attempt, perhaps another similarity between the speedy basketball prospect and the NFL star.
